This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to start your career as a certified lifeguard. Through videos, group discussions, and hands-on practice, you'll learn teamwork, professional rescue and surveillance skills, First Aid, CPR/AED, and other skills needed to work as a Certified Lifeguard.

​

FREE Lifeguard Certification Opportunity (Richland County)
Through our partnership with Richland Public Health, eligible individuals who live or work in Richland County may qualify for FREE lifeguard certification.

• Must be a Richland County resident OR work in Richland County

• Includes full American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (CPR/AED + First Aid)

• Limited spots available per session

​

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSES:

• Must be 15 years of age and attend every class.

• Participants will have to swim 150 yards without stopping, using Breast Stroke and Freestyle, tread water for 2 minutes without arms, then swim another 50 yards.

• Complete the timed "Brick Test," where the participants must swim 20 yards, dive 7-12 feet to retrieve an object, and swim it back on their back, keeping their head above water.

• A swimsuit is required for each day. 

​​​

2026 Full Certification Class (Must attend all 3 days):

• February 15th and 21st from 8 am-4 pm, and the 22nd from 7 am-3 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) 

• March 15th from 8 am-4 pm, 21st from 7 am- 3 pm, and the 22nd from 8 am-4 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) 

• May 10th from 8 am-4 pm, 16th from 7 am-3 pm, and the 17th from 8 am-4 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) *CLASS REGISTRATION FULL - Additional sessions coming soon*

​

Cost for Full Certification:

• Free for Richland County residents or those who work in Richland County

• $200 for Y members outside of Richland County

• $250 for non-members outside of Richland County

​

2026 Recertification Class (Must attend all 2 days):

• March 28th & 29th from 9 am-3 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) 

• May 23rd & 24th from 9 am-3 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) *CLASS CANCELLED - Additional sessions coming soon *

​Cost Recertification:

• Free for Richland County residents or those who work in Richland County

• $150 for Y members and non-members outside of Richland County

​​

PRE-REQUISITE:

Before attending the in-person class, participants must watch and complete a video course through the Red Cross. You must be registered for the class before gaining access to the prerequisite videos.​​

​

To sign up for Red Cross Certifications or for questions about future classes, please contact: 

Tasha Bays - Aquatics Director - lbays@ymcanco.org or 419-522-3511 ext 264​​​​​